V-BID Policy Update

Executive Order Draft Expands IRS “Safe Harbor”

In late June, a draft of an executive order emerged that would update IRS Section 223 (c)(2)(C) “to include services or benefits, including medications, intended to prevent chronic disease progression or complications…” which would provide health savings account eligible high-deductible health plans (HSA-HDHPs) the flexibility to cover services and drugs used to treat chronic diseases before meeting their deductible. For more information, view the Modern Healthcare article and our HSA-HDHP initiative page.

NYT: Health Plans That Nudge Patient to Do the Right Thing

A recent Upshot article highlights the positive impact of V-BID programs on health and quality of life.

NPR: Insurers Try Paying More Up Front To Pay Less Later

In a recent NPR story, A. Mark Fendrick, MD, discussed a growing trend of insurance plans providing more generous coverage for chronic conditions. The NPR article focuses on management of diabetes, highlighting the costs that can be saved from reductions in emergency care and hospitalizations that result from better chronic disease management.

U.S. News: “It’s Time to Call a Cease-Fire on Drug Pricing”

U.S. News & World Report recently featured a new V-BID Center brief, “Precision Patient Assistance Programs” that advocates for a “truce” between manufacturers and payers which aims to promote access to clinically indicated, high-value medications. Read the article and brief.

Congressional Briefing: Cost and Value of Prescription Meds

On Thursday, July 13, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, along with other health organizations, co-hosted a congressional briefing at the House of Representatives in Washington, DC. A. Mark Fendrick, MD, presented on value-based pricing and cost-sharing for prescription drugs. Click here.

Employee Benefit Research Institute Policy Forum

On July 12, the Employee Benefit Research Institute held its 81st policy forum examining the latest research on HSA-eligible health plans. V-BID Center Director Dr. A. Mark Fendrick presentation and other resources on expanding HSA enrollment by enhancing HSA-eligible health plans can be found here.

Alliance for Health Policy Health Care Summit

Dr. Mark Fendrick spoke at the Alliance for Health Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. on the coverage of chronic care. Read more.

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As a non-profit entity, the V-BID Center relies on fundraising to support our research, education, and policy efforts.

Please help us continue our work by donating here. We truly appreciate your consideration.